JM Platinum (and Palladium) Review released

May 19th, 2007

CMIGS rarely recommends palladium and platinum because they are not monetary metals. Still, we they are precious metals, which is what CMIGS buys and sells.

The best source of information on palladium (and platinum) is Johnson Matthey, which boasts of being “the world’s leading authority on the production, supply and use of platinum and palladium.” JM has just released its annual review of the platinum and palladium markets, and the review is available in pdf format for interested investors.

Several aspects of the palladium market are worth mentioning.

First, the primary consumer of palladium is the autocatalyst industry, which annually makes up some 60% of annual consumption. A worldwide recession would hit auto sales hard and lessen demand. However, continued economic expansion should keep auto sales strong. Because CMIGS fears a recession, we urge caution in the palladium (and platinum) market.

The second aspect is the emerging palladium jewelry market in China, a relatively recent phenomenon. Basically, palladium for jewelry did not get started in China until 2004. Therefore, in 2004 and 2005, China’s jewelry industry was “filling the pipeline,” which required big quantities of palladium.

So, in 2006, when demand for palladium in China fell 50%, it was interpreted by many to be a major negative for palladium. In reality, the Chinese palladium market is still emerging and potentially stands to be a huge factor in the demand for palladium.

Again, we urge investors to visit the Johnson Matthey website and study the JM Platinum Review before buying palladium. The JM Platinum Review contains an analysis of the palladium market.

The hidden threat in all of this is that as people fight to downsize borrowings, the resultant effect of all of this then emerges as expenditures tightens up with no available cash being spent and more hoarded…and so on.

The end result: if Central Bankers don’t get it correct is the complete collapse of the financial cycle.

CMI Gold & Silver Inc. buys, sells and trades all the popular forms of gold and silver. Our sell prices are among the lowest of all established dealers. Our buy prices are nearly always the highest. Specials pricing for trades. Call us. Friendliest service on the internet.